Limes

How to grow limes in a garden

1. Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. 
   
2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots. 
   
3. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring of soil around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.  
   
4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
   
5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. 
   
6. Feed your citrus with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn. 
   
7. When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.
    

How to grow limes in a pot

        Please note, when planting in a pot, be sure to choose a dwarf lemon variety, such as Dwarf Tahitian Lime.    

1. Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter . TIP: Consider placing the pot on pot feet if you live in a cold area, so it can be easily moved inside or to a more protected spot in winter. 
2. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots. 
3. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well. 
4. Water deeply, 2-3 times during the week, depending on weather conditions. 
5. Feed your citrus with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn. 
6. When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food. 

Growing tips

• If you’re short of sunny spots in the garden, grow citrus in pots that can be moved to take advantage of changing patterns of sunlight.
• In heavy clay soils, it’s best to put extra effort into soil preparation. To check if your soil needs improving, dig a hole and pour a bucket of water into the hole – if it takes more than 30 minutes to disappear, then you will need to work your soil. Consider raising the level of the bed as much as possible, dig in gypsum and plenty of Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser
• Potted limes should be grown in a good quality mix (such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter) and moved into larger containers as they grow.
• Remove any small fruit that develop within the first two years - thinning excess fruit when they’re small will encourage better sized and tasting fruit to develop in the coming years.
• Limes are best harvested with they are a lighter green, smooth and slightly soft when gently squeezed.